"Definitely starting it's kind of scary knowing that you have full control of a prop in the back and you're on the water, but I was pretty comfortable with it at the start because I was with my grandpa and my dad.". Get Started $29.95. Steve Powell, Los Angeles Lifeguards If you operate a motorized vessel on California waterways you will be required to have a California Boater Card. Older courses will not be accepted since they may not include … California Harbors and Navigation Code Section 678.11(b) contains the following phase-in schedule based on operator age: * While this statute takes effect on January 1, 2018, DBW is in the process of promulgating regulations. Q. 3. 2020: 35 or younger. As of Jan. 1, 2019, DBW will only accept proof of passing approved boater education courses taken since Jan. 1, 2018. California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is implementing the California Vessel Operator Card law as it is written. The California Boater Card shows that its holder has successfully taken an approved boating safety course and passed the corresponding exam. California Course. And he is pretty sure he will ace his test in time to get his boating license by January. "We're enforcing the law as it was written," she said. Only one of the boat operators involved in fatal accidents had taken an approved boating safety course. In determining the fees for the CBC, DBW was required to establish and consult with a technical advisory group. California law requires a person to be 16 years of age or older and in possession of his/her California Boater Card to legally operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 hp or more, including personal watercraft (PWCs). WHAT IS A CALIFORNIA BOATER CARD. While educational courses are mandatory for anyone applying for a license, they are also available to boaters interested in expanding their knowledge. There is good news for boaters who have already taken an approved course between Jan. 1, 2015 and Dec. 31, 2017 - Persons who have passed an approved examination during this timeframe will have until Dec. 31, 2018 to apply for their California Boater Card to receive the “grandfathering” exemption regardless of their age. A California Boater Card is required to operate any motorized vessel on a state waterway. After learning from his family how to captain a boat, he now has no problem being out alone in the open ocean. "There's no turn signals and highways on the water," he said. Take note: beginning January 1, 2018, boaters 20 years of age and younger are the first age group that must carry a California Boater Card when on state waterways. For example, earlier versions of the bill did include a requirement for a boater card for rentals. U. S. Coast Guard accident data show that states with some form of boating safety education have fewer accidents and fatalities than states without any boater education requirements. Instructions on how to apply for your California Boater Card are found at www.CaliforniaBoaterCard.com/applynow/. The law will be phased-in for all boaters over the next 8 years. Once issued, the card is good for life. That is likely in part because the state has the biggest coastline in the county and is among the top five states for number of registered boats, according to data from the U.S. Coast Guard. Greg Gibeson, Recreational Boaters of California 2023: 50 or younger. The Boater Education Card is proof of competency of the basic rules of the water that all boaters should know. David Dickerson, National Marine Manufacturers Association The bill that created the California Boater Card, SB 941 (Chapter 433, Statutes of 2014), went through a number of changes as it moved through the California Legislature. By law, the California Boater Card fee can only cover the cost of the program. In addition to the fines imposed by subdivision (b), the court shall order a person convicted of violating this article to complete and pass a boating safety course approved by the division pursuant to Section 668.3. California Boater Card Mandatory for Boaters Aged 16-20 As of Jan. 1, 2018 it will now be required by law for youths age 16 through 20 to carry a California Boater Card. The California Boater Card is verification that its holder has successfully taken and passed an approved boating safety course. Kevin Ketchum, Marine Recreation Association The boater card has a $10 fee and is good for life. January 1, 2024: 60 years old or younger. Once issued, the card remains valid for a boat operator’s lifetime. The California Boater Card is proof that you have successfully completed all of the components of an approved boater safety course. You can find a list of approved courses here: www.californiaboatercard.com/courses. Meeting one of the exemptions does not count towards the educational requirement. 6. California does not accept reciprocity from other areas. For more information about the California Boater Card phase-in, please visit www.CaliforniaBoaterCard.com. As of January 1, 2020, California law requires all boaters 35 years of age or younger to carry a California Boater Card. * January 1, 2025 All persons regardless of age. Division of Boating and Waterways – California Boater Card P.O. 2018: 20 years old ; 2019: 25 years old; 2020: 35 years old; 2021: 40 years old; 2022: 45 years old; 2023: 50 years old; 2024: 60 years old; 2025: All ages; Mobile Friendly! Effective Jan 1, 2018 the law is being phased-in over 8 years. The program is being phased in by age to give boaters ample time to obtain their card. Violating these provisions constitutes an infraction. Acrobat Reader. Andersen said he understands that requiring a license would hurt tourism, but tourists and boat renters are also often the least experienced. The California Boater Card (CBC) Program, which is being phased in by age over a period of eight years, requires operators of engine-propelled vessels to pass a boater safety exam, in order receive a CBC. To get the California Boaters Card, applicants will have to take a safety course, either online or in person, and pass a written test. 5. Boaters must enter their Application ID when registering for the BOATsmart! By 2025 all operators of motorized vessels will need a California Boater Card. … James Gordon, California’s Boating Safety Officer’s Association A person who has successfully completed a boating course approved by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training Post. A fine imposed on a vessel operator pursuant to subdivision (b) shall be waived, if the vessel operator provides proof that he or she had a valid vessel operator card at the time of the citation. According to 2013 California Recreational Boating Accident Statistics, of all the vessel accidents that occurred in the state that year, only 9% involved rental vessels. "But we understand people's concern. DBW … Many rental facilities provide basic boater safety information to operators. By law, the California Boater Card fee can only cover the cost of the program. For boaters like 17-year-old Calvin Pedroli, that safety comes from education and practice. Get boater certified in 3 steps. "The process of someone going through testing at a rental site was just not a realistic proposal," he said. That will come this fall, said Denise Peterson, California's Division of Boating and Waterways boating safety and education manager. "We do everything that we can to make sure that our customers have as much knowledge as they can, in the short amount of time that's allotted, that they can operate that boat safely," he said. Age and Operator Restrictions. California law requires a person to be 16 years of age or older and in possession of his/her California Boater Card to legally operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 hp or more, including personal watercraft (PWCs). If your boat is registered in a different state and your primary place of residency is California, you will still need a California Boater Card. Not only is mandatory education the law, the California Boater Card Program promotes boating safety on our waterways. "And you don't need an operator's license. However, in June 2014, when the bill was heard in the Assembly Transportation Committee, the Committee analysis recommended removing the card requirement for rentals, and noted the following points: The author accepted this recommended amendment, and on June 18, 2014 the next version of the bill provided an exemption for individuals renting vessels. She added a card will not likely cost more than $10. Get the day's top news — ranging from local to international — straight to your inbox each weekday morning. The lifetime card fee will be $10. According to California law the following persons are not required to have a boater card to operate a motorized vessel on California waterways: If you still want to get your California Boater Card, you will have to complete one of the approved courses, pass the corresponding exam, and apply for your California Boater Card. Step 4: Pay the $10 boater card fee using one of the following options (no cash allowed): Visa, MasterCard, or Discover 8. If California is your primary place of residency, you will need a California Boater Card. Asking boaters to get a license ruins the spontaneity of being on vacation and deciding to rent a boat. The proof shall be in a form that has been approved by the division and that is capable of being submitted to the court or a state or local agency approved by the division through the US Postal Service or another certified means of transmission. Do you operate a motorized vessel on California waterways? On a recent Saturday morning at the Chula Vista Marina, a group of boating students gathered for just that kind of training. If you operate a motorized vessel on California waterways you may be required to have a California Boater Card. Right now, almost anyone in California can hop on a boat and drive away without any training or a license. For a third or subsequent conviction, by a fine of not more $500. 2019: 25 or younger. Boat operators ages 16 or 17 who are not in possession of a California Boater Card, may operate a vessel if supervised by an adult at least 18 years of age who is in possession of a California Boater Card. A person who has been ordered by a court to complete a boating safety course pursuant to paragraph (1) shall submit to the court proof of completion and passage of the course within seven months of the date of his or her conviction. You can apply now at www.CaliforniaBoaterCard.com. January 1, 2018 – Persons 20 years of age or younger ; January 1, 2019 – Persons 25 years of age or younger ; January 1, 2020 – Persons 35 years of age or younger ; January 1, 2021 – Persons 40 years of age or younger ; January 1, 2022 – Persons 45 years of age or younger ; January 1, 2023 – Persons 50 years of age or younger The California Boater Card requirement will be phased in over the next several years based on operator age: Year Operator Age January 1, 2018 Persons 20 years of age or younger January 1, 2019 Persons 25 years of age or younger January 1, 2020 Persons 35 years of age or younger January 1, 2021 Persons 40 years of age or younger January 1, 2022 Persons 45 years of age or younger January 1, … Among the first group of people to be affected by the new law is 17-year-old Calvin Pedroli, who lives in La Jolla and likes to take his small motor boat out from the San Diego Yacht Club with his friends. They were taking "About Boating Safely," a day long class with a test at the end that would qualify them for their boating card. course approved by DBW. Claire Trageser New episodes are ready weekday mornings. 4. For an initial conviction, by a fine of not more than $100. A California Boat Operator Card proves that you’ve obtained the knowledge needed to safely operate a motorized boat on California’s waterways. Pending the adoption of the regulations, DBW will continue its education and outreach efforts regarding the California Boater Card Program. If you boat outside of California, please contact that region’s boating law administrator or harbor master to find out all requirements before going out on the water. Older courses may not include recent state or national changes to navigation law. So if you can buy a boat, you can drive it.". Returning user? He would have liked those briefings to be required under the new law. Exceptions to this law are: 2. California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways cannot generate any profit from the card. As of the dates shown below, these boaters will be required to carry a boater card issued by DBW, unless they meet certain exemptions. A: The new requirement will begin on Jan. 1, 2018 for all persons 20 years of age and younger who operate a recreational motorized vessel on state waterways. For a second conviction, by a fine of not more than $250. The mandatory boating safety education law went into effect on January 1, 2018 and the Boater Card requirement is being phased in by age. What is the "California Boater Education Card"? A person who is in possession of a current commercial fishing license. And boating is more complicated than driving, he said. LATEST UPDATES: Tracking COVID-19 | Racial Justice. The California Boater Card is being phased in by age, with every operator required to have one by 2025. Increased numbers of boaters taking approved safety courses will benefit all California boaters. "We joke because we've overheard people who are renting a 20-foot boat to go out for the day and ask where the gas pedal is," he said. California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways cannot generate any profit from the card. "One of the top two reasons for accidents in California is lack of education," she said. January 1, 2018: Anyone 20 years old or younger must have a Card. 7. Classroom and home study courses vary in length, with most classes no more than eight hours. The California Boater Card is good for life. January 1, 2018: Anyone 20 years old or younger must have a Card. California is one of just five states―besides Alaska, Arizona, South Dakota and Wyoming―that currently does not require any license to boat, though some states only have requirements for people under 18, according to the American Boating Association. Though the cards are required for people under 20 at the start of the new year, the state has not yet set up the system to apply for them, or decided on how much they will cost. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. A person operating a vessel in an organized regatta or vessel race, or water ski race. By 2025 all boat operators will be required to carry a California Boater Card. Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (6-pack), Limited Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels, Boating Safety & Operation for Inland Waters, Boating Safety & Enforcement or any boating safety P.O.S.T. Yes. The approved list of courses may change dependent on an organization maintaining their … His employees give safety briefings to all boat renters both in the store and again on the dock. An employee prepares a boat at Seaforth Boat Rentals in Mission Bay, June 30, 2017. The California Boater Card is proof that you have successfully completed all of the components of an approved Boating safety course and allows you to go boating. In 2016, more than 800 California recreational vessels were involved in reported accidents, resulting in 50 deaths. Do I have to get the California Boater Education Card? As of January 1, 2018, boaters 20 years of age and younger must carry a California Boater Card. California Boater Card Requirements Timeline. California Division of Boating and Waterways BoatTests101 Boater Exam America BoatU.S. 2018: Age 20 or younger. But the new law has a hole in it. If you are a California resident and have a boater card from outside of California, you will need to complete a California approved boating safety course, pass the corresponding exam, and apply for your California Boater Card to operate on California waters. The courses shown on this page are approved for the California Boater Card. (Sample question: "Which of the following best describes 'capsizing'?" 2021: 40 or younger. Doug Powell, California State Sheriffs Association In 2018, DBW accepted proof of passing an approved course taken between Jan. 1, 2015 – Dec. 31, 2017. January 1, 2023 – Persons 50 years of age or younger; January 1, 2024 – Persons 60 years of age or younger; January 1, 2025 – All persons regardless of age; The card is issued by the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW). The teacher, Bill Andersen, is with the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and said he thinks the licenses will help with safety. Photo by Donna Ritchie . "If you want to drive a car, you have to have classroom instruction and take a test, you have to have hours behind the wheel and you have to drive it for a performance test," he said. Last year, California had more boating accidents than any other state besides Florida. 2022: 45 or younger. Andy Kurtz walks on the dock at Seaforth Boat Rentals in Mission Bay, June 30, 2017. DBW encourages all boat operators to take an approved boating safety course and apply for a California Boater Card. That will change this January when a new law goes into effect requiring boaters to pass a written test and get a California Boater Card. 2018 20 years old Some people I talk to can't believe you can go purchase a boat without any training.". Your temporary boater card will be mailed to the address you provide. The law allows children 12-15 years of age to operate boats with a motor of more than 15 horsepower or sailboats over 30 feet if supervised on board by an adult at least 18 years of age who is in possession of a California Boater Card as required by California law. The courses may be classroom, home study or online. 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